Keeping the small pcb and sw on the mech and connecting it to the new main pcb, not only offer Jazz more freedom in designing the pcb, but also isolates the motors from the electronics. Somebody in the past reported this as beneficial sound wise.
It's an option I would consider......

I'm definitely with massimo on that.

I don't quite see the point of discussing the length of the ribbon cable at this stage though (but maybe I'm missing something?...). The way I'm imagining it, we will have a "control PCB", which we will be able to connect to any compatible CD mech in any way we please - with a short ribbon, with a long ribbon, hard-wired or whatever. As BMW850 rightly pointed out, closer is not necessarily better, and some degree of separation will almost surely be beneficial. Everyone can decide for themselves how far to go with separating the two components when they actually build the player as there will inevitably be other constraints to consider.

@TheGimp - the internal DAC is ok-ish, but nothing to write home about... It has a fairly bright sound, mediocre bass control and a typical "digital" timbre.

__________________Studio Zèy- natural, hand-crafted components for hi-end audio."Dare to be different, and you may stumble upon something amazing."

Oh, and while I know this will be of no real use to virtually anyone else, would anyone know just what it would take to fit a ST glass output to this design? I have two DACs (EAD and Wadia) and both have the ST glass input. Right now I consider that superior to others using my current transport. In my dream for this DIY project I'd love to be able to have a quality ST output available.

The benefits for having a separate board are obvious.
- less mechanical vibrations, less noise induced by ceramic components
- more space to accommodate 1206 components
- better layout and grounding as the motors are no longer on pcb
- flexibility in terms of board placement - dampening, shielding etc

Oh, and while I know this will be of no real use to virtually anyone else, would anyone know just what it would take to fit a ST glass output to this design? I have two DACs (EAD and Wadia) and both have the ST glass input. Right now I consider that superior to others using my current transport. In my dream for this DIY project I'd love to be able to have a quality ST output available.

Yes, it is the same mechanic.

ST glass output it is an option I´ll consider.
Maybe it will be another separate board with reclocking and AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink and AT&T ST glass.
Do you have any recommendation here for a good ST glass output?

ST glass output it is an option I´ll consider.
Maybe it will be another separate board with reclocking and AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink and AT&T ST glass.
Do you have any recommendation here for a good ST glass output?

Regards,
Tibi

No Tibi. I wish I did. My experience is only with the older ODL 50 types and one from HP.

I understand massimo's preference, but I do hope for a ST solution. Many older higher end DACs used ST glass. It's a much better interface than Toslink (for those who can use it).